SSI Benefits for Fibromyalgia

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides benefits to disabled individuals such as those with fibromyalgia. SSI helps those who have insufficient incomes to support their basic needs. Those who already receive Social Security Disability benefits may also qualify for SSI. Benefits may also be available for those with fibromyalgia who have not worked enough to be eligible for Social Security Disability.

SSI Payment

• SSI provides monetary benefits to those individuals with fibromyalgia deemed disabled. As of 2010, the SSA provides a maximum benefit of $674 for individuals and $1,011 for couples each month. The SSA disburses SSI payments monthly by either check or direct deposit. The SSA subtracts any unearned income you receive over $20 from the maximum benefit to determine what your SSI payment will be. In addition, they use a formula to subtract a portion of your earned income from the maximum amount to determine monthly benefits.

State Supplement

• States may provide additional monetary benefits to fibromyalgia sufferers. All states add a state-sponsored supplement to the federal SSI payment except Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and West Virginia. Monetary amounts vary by state. To apply for these supplemental benefits, contact your local Department of Human Services.

Medicaid

• Medicaid benefits may accompany SSI benefits for many individuals with fibromyalgia. According to the SSA, 32 states automatically provide Medicaid benefits when a person qualifies for SSI. Some states require a separate application for Medicaid, but use the same criteria to qualify for both SSI and Medicaid. These states include Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and Utah. In addition, some states use different criteria to qualify for SSI and Medicaid. These states include Connecticut, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Hawaii, Illinois, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Ohio and Virginia.